Introduction to arts and humanities using literature and related arts to explore aesthetic, philosophical and/or cultural themes. (Consult the School of Interdisciplinary Studies for WCP courses that meet the H perspective each semester.) IIB.

MPF 112 Creativity and Culture II (3)

Introduction to interpretation of artistic expression in a cultural context. Addresses relations among interpretive approaches and provides opportunity to develop a creative project, exhibit, or performance. (Consult the School of Interdisciplinary Studies for WCP courses that meet the H perspective each semester.) IIB.

Examines the fundamental connections between science and other avenues of knowledge. Scientific ideas including atomic theory, cosmology, and theories of motion, thermodynamics, general and special relativity, evolution. Mendelian and molecular genetics are explored in the context of their historic interactions with culture. Class format includes lectures, seminars, research, hands-on laboratories, written and oral presentations. IVB, LAB.

MPF 131 Social Systems I (3)

Introduces key social science perspectives, identifies ways they are distinguished from those of humanities or natural science, and includes perspectives outside the mainstreams of American culture. Seminar format with written and oral expression through papers and discussion. Topics vary from year to year. Recent topics include “Self and Identity in Contemporary American Society” and “Urban Cultures.” (Consult the School of Interdisciplinary Studies for WCP courses that meet the H perspective each semester.) IIC.

MPF 132 Social Systems II (3)

Examines relations within and among groups in a society; continuity or discontinuity of social organization in relation to economic and political justice, communication and miscommunication, conflict and cooperation, power and powerlessness. Views that articulate and challenge dominant values and life styles stimulate students to analyze both arguments of others and their own beliefs. Topics vary from year to year. Recent topics include “Violence: A Social Science Exploration” and “Two Nations? Perspectives on Dominant and Nondominant Cultures.” (Consult the School of Interdisciplinary Studies for WCP courses that meet the H perspective each semester.) IIC.

MPF 141 Interdisciplinary Fine Arts (3)

Introduces fundamentals of artistic perspective in classroom, laboratory, and field settings; as well as fundamentals of design, multimedia and three-dimensional artifacts, and performance processes. IIA.

MPF 142 Interdisciplinary Technology (3)

Focuses on technological approaches to human problems and the impact of technology on contemporary society. Studies technological methodology such as evaluation of empirical data, recognizing and solving problems, and application of scientific principles. Specific technologies examined vary from semester to semester ranging from household appliances and automobiles to computers and scientific apparatus. V.

MPF 211 Creativity and Culture III (4)

Explores human creativity in diverse situations and employs approaches of arts, humanities, and social sciences; considers methods utilized to understand and analyze a wide range of cultural expression. Requires major research paper or creative performance. (Note: sometimes meets IIIB requirement. Consult the School of Interdisciplinary Studies.)

MPF 221 Natural Systems III (4)

Overview of major environmental problems humans face today from a scientific perspective and emphasizes potential solutions; considers such topics as the impact of global population upon the biosphere, atmosphere, and hydrosphere; significant global geochemical cycles and how human activity has altered them. Diverse writing may involve laboratory reports, naturalist essays, instructional writing for laboratory and field experiences. IVA, LAB.

MPF 231 Social Systems III (4)

Examines how people may change society, seeks to understand persistent forces that have shaped it, and considers how social science theories from anthropology, economics, political science, and sociology characterize social change. May include seminar discussions, journal or autobiographical writing, and newspaper reading. (Note: sometimes meets IIIB requirement. Consult the School of Interdisciplinary Studies.)

261,262 Integrative Seminar/Integrative Seminar Lab (4,2)

Integrates the concepts, approaches, and perspectives of the three core areas in the School of Interdisciplinary Studies: creativity and culture, natural systems, and social systems. Emphasis is placed on the interdisciplinary process through both seminar discussion and field work/lab experience. By engaging in an extended examination of a broad topic that crosses the three core areas, the course will prepare students for the more methodologically advanced seminars and senior project required in the junior and senior years. It provides a bridge between the required core courses of their first three semesters and the more advanced work. (Note: these courses require concurrent registration and carry separate course numbers.)

333 Advanced Seminar (3)

Seminar is organized around three general areas: arts, humanities, and culture; behavior, institutions, and social change; and science, technology, and the environment (Specific topic to be announced each semester.) Seminars explore theoretical context around a topic to assist in understanding the theoretical integration involved in interdisciplinary research. Open to sophomores and juniors in the School of Interdisciplinary Studies and other Miami students with the permission of the instructor.

334 Advanced Seminar (3)

Seminar is organized around three general areas: arts, humanities, and culture; behavior, institutions, and social change; and science, technology, and the environment (Specific topic to be announded each semester.) Seminars explore methodological approaches for carrying out research or involve actual research experience that may be useful for the senior project. Open to sophomores and juniors in the School of Interdisciplinary Studies and other Miami students with the permission of the instructor.

340 Internships/Extended Field Study (1-20)

Supervised independent study off-campus that can involve internship or other work experience with a government agency, business organization, or social service agency; or, research or field work appropriate to the student's program. Prior permission of adviser and assistant dean required.

Focuses on the production of the required senior project, a major piece of scholarship that may report the results of original research, field or laboratory work; comment on the creation of original art, music, theater, performance, fiction, or other forms; or analyze the significance of a community involvement or social action—accompanied in each case by a review of relevant literature and an original written text that places the work in pertinent contexts. Work with direction of a faculty adviser. Weekly workshops provide a forum in which to share with peers the process of writing, revision, and research, advanced bibliographic instruction, assistance in organizing the tasks of a major paper, peer editorial and rhetorical oversight, and practice in public presentation of results. Workshop culminates in a public conference where results of the year's work is presented. Prerequisite: senior standing and completion of preceding WCP requirements.